The Confederate Graveyard Near Calera
The Confederate Graveyard Near Calera (inspired by Robert Lowell's "The Quaker Graveyard in Nantucket") I. A muddy stretch of road east of Vicksburg⸺ The heat of July marched onward in the night And paced quickstep alongside the 54th. As the private grasped his empty flask, light Flashed above his sweaty brow⸺mortar fire From the river below. A cracking of thunder bellowed in time. A corpse lies nearby, disheveled grey and white. Its hands covered in grime, Still clenched as though in flight Or perhaps gripping a phantom rifle To thrust like a spear. The squad moves forward Double-time into the night's acrid stench. Some limped, singed by the grapeshot Vulcan poured Into the column as they fled their trench, Glad to escape the forge. Soldiers, who are sullen in their retreat Can take comfort that they Did not accept defeat. When you are powerless To effect the change of a futile campaign, Cursed by Jupiter, and climbing in vain From the depths of Etna's bowe...
